City considers new public relations position

WAUSAU – A City Council panel is looking into a new position for the city — someone to handle both public relations and grant seeking to help fund city projects.

“It’s not about spin. It’s about accuracy and timeliness,” said Human Resources Committee member Lisa Rasmussen. “We are all ambassadors to the city. But are we consistent?”

The committee agreed unanimously Monday they should look into such a full-time position for the 2016 budget.

Committee Chairman Romey Wagner said an employee with strong communications skills could reach out the public and reach out for grant and advertising dollars.

The PR person wouldn’t necessarily have to write the grant proposals, but find them for the department heads, Wagner said. A person in this potential position could also beef up the city’s public access channel, he said. New advertising on the channel could help cover its costs and open it to airing committee meetings, Wagner said. Plus a person in this role could help find sponsors for the city’s parks.

“In house we have varying levels of grant-writing skills,” Rasmussen said. “Sometimes our grant pursuit is an afterthought.”

Mayor Jim Tipple said such a position could relieve some responsibilities from his plate, such as connecting with the media while presenting the public with a more consistent message.